Connecting Powerhouse 180 to track without the Lionel Lock-On.

Rather than cut the cords, you can buy this connector set for about $15 which will allow you to plug the PH180s in or out as desired. And yes they may be connected directly since they have excellent breakers.

http://charlesro-com.3dcartsto...om/store_l14194.html

L14194 - TMCC TPC CABLE SET

I agree with Cjack above and I also got adapter cables for all of my PH-180s so I didn't have to cut the cords. Just didn't seem right to me to be cutting off the factory ends.

CJack has the right idea.  Then run the wires to terminal block and split them out to other terminal blocks nearer the track.  Connect the feeders to those terminal blocks.  Remember to isolate the center pin between power districts.

Maybe the diagram below will give you the right idea.  The PH180's are at the bottom of the diagram.  Their power is split out to run 8 power districts (referred to as blocks in the diagram).

George

Thanks for all the replies.  I have considered the Lionel adapter cables. It just seemed a bit pricey to buy a couple sets of cables to simply get two male  Molex connectors.  (ever the frugal retired teacher!)

 Has anyone ever purchased just the three hole male molex connectors from an electronics site/store to eliminate buying the entire Lionel adapter cable sets? 

I've got the rest of my wiring plan down pat just as you've shown. 

I will try today to take a few pics of the layout and post on the "what did you do today"  posts.   Track is only down temporarily to work out the "kinks" and track alignment.

Here are the Mouser Electronics part numbers. The brand of connector part numbers are probably available if you get on the Mouser site...they usually have the company's part number available somewhere in their listings. I think their shipping is postage and don't think I have ever experienced a minimum order on Mouser or Digikey.  I'll look for the brand part numbers, but I will post this for now.

This will be a little confusing but I think you sound capable of sorting which shells and pins you need for what you want to do. I made this originally for info on the bypass plugs for the modern ZW which were not available at the time from Lionel. This was also for when I replaced the PH LED and switch.

I wanted to publish this note first, but was not sure it would be as helpful as the packaged alternative.

Looks like the Molex, the manufacturer, part numbers are the same as above but without the 538 prefix. You should be able to get the Molex parts by number at any electronics supply store or site.

So can you connect the Powerhouse 180 directly to the track?

Yep. A lock on is just a clip; easy on, easy off. 

A plug is a plug too.  If I didn't have the other side handy I'dve had it spliced or on a terminal strip too; then worry about new pins or females to replace it another day, if ever.

Thanks. New to most of this and have been researching quite a bit. never could get a definitive answer.

The Lionel Direct Lockon is "camouflaged" as a trackside cabinet and accepts the plug at the end of a 180w or 135w "brick."  Further, it has a very quick circuit breaker with a handy indicator light. Yes, its somewhat pricey, but IMHO if/when its quick action saves the circuit board in a contemporary locomotive from shorting out, it's worth it.

Mike M.
mottlerm@gmail.com

The Lionel lock on has a known issue of degrading the DCS signal.  If you run DCS engines you may want to look at other options.

Just buy the right connectors, don't hack the transformers.

Molex 1396 Series Connectors

They come in both genders, and the matching pins are on the pages above.

Thanks

My plan is to buy the Molex Connectors and hook Powerhouse 180 to a MTH Terminal block and running Bus lines to tracks from there.

Jazzmann posted:

So can you connect the Powerhouse 180 directly to the track?

Absolutely.  I've done it.  PH180 to terminal block and then feeders to the track.

George

Jazzmann posted:

Thanks

 

My plan is to buy the Molex Connectors and hook Powerhouse 180 to a MTH Terminal block and running Bus lines to tracks from there.

If you use a basic terminal block, you'll save a ton of money.  $5-6 vs $25.

George

Similar to George above:

I make multiple railpower connections soldered from T-strip wire runs and with TVS protection. I have always cut the plugs off my 180 PoHos and soldered on spade lugs to enable connecting railpower to any of the Toy Train world of controllers or terminals. It works for me to eliminate all the plugs, adapters and spaghetti .

If you do connect your powerhouse straight to the track smooth side for hot and ribbed side for ground. This information came from a Lionel video

As I recall the ribbed teltale is the common conductor (or "ground"as some call it).  As my post above illustrates I use white for Common and colors for Hot and mark them with tape. At my age I don't bet on my memory even if the stakes are burnt matches.

can you use an additional 180PH for powering your accessories?